Tahiti. The name conjures up images of clear, blue water and lush greenery. And it's one of the few places that might actually exceed its reputation.
The island's main city, Papeete, is the only truly international city in French Polynesia, with most travelers going in and/or out of Tahiti-Fa'aa Airport.
Highlights of the town include the two-story public market, with all kinds of fruits, vegetables and fresh fish, as well as a variety of places to shop for local crafts and souvenirs. The Tahiti Pearl Market and the Pearl Museum are great places to browse, shop and learn about how natural oyster shells are given a boost by traditional local methods to create black pearls.
The Cathedrale Notre-Dame is beautiful in its relative simplicity, with early-morning visitors getting to watch as the wonderful-smelling fresh flower arrangements are put together.
In the evening a fun place to eat is at the Les Roulettes food trucks. The local fare and specialties include great poisson cru (raw tuna with lemon and coconut milk). Another terrific lunch/dinner/drinking option is Le Retro restaurant, across from the waterfront. And, of course, the freshly made chocolate croissants are a must for the morning; streetside cafes are all around the market area.
The island's 70 miles or so of shore roads offer some lovely vistas, beaches, grottos and gardens. Half- and full-day bus trips, Jeep tours and more are easily arranged through all hotels (or by cruise ships, if you happen to be a passenger, stopping for the day or overnight).
The port in Papeete has convenient downtown pier facilities for cruise lines such as Paul Gauguin and Silversea for embarking or disembarking guests as well as for Holland America or Princess reaching there as a port of call.
When staying overnight before or after a cruise or going on to other islands by ferry, the key decision is whether to stay in town or out. The Hotel Tahiti Nui is generally considered to be the best in town. It's not a waterfront resort but has everything guests need, including a location just a short walk from the public market, waterfront and Vaiete Square, with its array of food trucks. The hotel has 91 rooms, all with private balconies (41 322-square-foot standard rooms and 40 645-square-foot two-room suites). There's a rooftop pool, restaurant and bar, free WiFi and a very helpful front desk and concierge.
For those who want a place with true resort features, there's the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa a few miles out of town. It's got everything a big place can offer: a great sandy-bottom pool; a lagoon for snorkeling; restaurants and bars; water sports and activities galore; high-quality, luxury service; free WiFi; and recently renovated rooms. The 245 rooms, all with private balconies, range from 307-square-foot garden views to amazing over-the-water bungalows (up to 914 square feet) with private sunning platforms.
Rooms start at $180 per night at the Hotel Tahiti Nui and $219 at the InterContinental.
For information on Tahiti tourism, visit www.tahiti-tourisme.com.